"I've been using Instagram and growing my following for the past several years.

Over that time, many friends have asked what steps they can take to improve their own following.

Based on those discussions, I have come up with these 5 Easy Ways to Increase Your Instagram Following."

Photo by Melissa Phillips

1. Like more photos

The best way to spread good vibes & attract more likes to your own images is through liking other people's images.

On our Dickerman Prints Instagram feed, we feature photos of the day from our community - like this one by Julie Gebhardt (@juliegeb)

Developing a habit of giving likes as you look at Instagram, can help you to gain more likes & followers to your work. It's as easy as double-tapping your smartphone while you scroll (you'll see a heart of the image when it works).

2. Follow more

Similar to #1, following more Instagram Users will usually increase how many people are following you. It’s not always a 1:1 ratio; but, the more you Follow, the more people will return the favor and follow you back.

3. Use #Hashtags

Hashtags are searchable terms you can add to your images; which allow other Instagram users to find your image. For example, an image of a rusty lock could have the hashtag #rust #lock #rustystuff - as well as many others.

4. Niche, if you can

If you are so inclined to be a photographer of one certain thing - city doorways, architecture, flowers, cats, rust, cars, etc, - Instagram will reward you for this focus.

People like to know what to expect, and are more likely to follow you if they like your topic. My friend Emily Citraro quickly quadrupled her following when she dedicated her feed to flower photography.

That said, not all photographers want to shoot only one subject matter: myself included. But, if you can dedicate your feed, you will be rewarded with more Instagram followers.

5. Avoid Overposting

Posting a few images each day is OK. But, when it turns into dozens a day, many people will unfollow you for clogging up their feed with too many images.

The sweet spot seems to be 3-4 images a day. Be sure to pace them a few hours apart, if possible, to allow your audience time to enjoy each image: one at a time.

Got questions? We're here to help!

Using these 5 basic steps is a great starting point for increasing your Instagram following . Take them to heart; and you are sure to develop habits that encourage your popularity and expand how large of an audience you reach.

Want more Instagram info? Ask us anything in the comments section below.

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Dickerman Prints - Your San Francisco Custom Photo Lab

Dickerman Prints - San Francisco Custom Photo Lab

Dickerman Prints is a full-service custom photo lab in San Francisco, producing photographic and archival pigment prints to the highest standards. Our Polielettronica Laserlab, a state-of-the-art silver halide photographic printer and processor, is also available for D.I.Y. printing. Customers may use one of four free Macintosh workstations at the lab, or work with us online directly from their studios.